I started with the episode “Herstory of Invention” which is billed as an episode about “how to support underrepresented communities, and encourage them to enter the innovation ecosystem.” I was excited to hear about female inventors and how they can be supported and encouraged to enter a male-dominated area. Instead, after the initial introduction, the podcast devolved into stories about moms who have struggled during the pandemic and how one female pediatric neuropsychologist mommy started a business to help other moms in this time. The issues that women face in the workplace or in business are not entirely because they have children. In fact, as of 2018, a little less than half of all adult women in the US are child free. It would be nice if discussions about challenges that women face did not center around their statuses as child bearers. This podcast devolved into stereotypes about how women are perfectionists, “more empathetic,” and how they can use those traits for success. There was absolutely nothing in this podcast about how to support women inventors. There was almost nothing about a “herstory” (the feminist version of “history”) much less a history of women inventors. A background track of fighting children is used to manipulate the listener into feeling more stress while this doctor is talking about starting a business during the pandemic. It is offensive to equate women’s problems with mommy problems, because that discounts the experiences of nearly half the adult women in the US. Starting a business is not the same as creating an invention. And perpetuating the stereotype that women have more emotional maturity than men does nothing to advance women in an professional environment.

I really enjoy this podcast! I thought I knew a lot about inventions but there is always something more to learn. I particularly liked the episode in the contributions of immigrants!

I just love this podcast - I learn something with each new episode! The invention process is so unique for each individual and hearing their stories is entertaining and informative.

Thanks for these motivational stories. It’s great to know that people are tackling the problems we face - after each episode I feel a bit more excited about the future and energized to try and find the inventor in me so I can perhaps add to that future in my own small way!

Thanks for showing us innovative people with remarkable inventions. The world needs more people making discoveries and the will to fight for their inventions. I will listen to and recommend this podcast. Brava!

My name is Robert Bear, host of the Invention Stories Podcast and we’ve been sharing the stories of inventors for two years. The Stroke of Genius Podcast is proof that whatever you do...someone can come along and do it better. Fantastic Podcast...Keep up the Great Work!

One of my favorite shows. Excited for season 2!

Love the episode about Emily and her cancer treatment. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to hear how she was doing! Such an inspiring invention!

I expected this to be dry, straightforward educational material about inventions. It completely exceeded my expectations!! I listened to the super soaker episode first cuz I had one as a kid and i was curious about its history. I learned a ton, but also kinda fell in love with all the people they interviewed; the inventor was great, but they also spoke to a bunch of charming kid-scientists that I could have listened to an entire series about. The episode that really converted me was this last one about a new form of treatment for cancer. It was super informational about how our bodies work, but also a really well-told story about the first child with cancer who received the treatment. No spoilers, but I teared up a little. Highly recommend!

This podcast covers fascinating topics. It's informative and entertaining. Highly recommend.

I learn something new on every episode and am inspired by the innovations of our past and future. Keep them coming!

Very informative and holds my attention. Relaxing on the drive in to work. Feel like I could successfully play Who Wants to Be A Millionaire after these

I just binged the first three episodes. This podcast is very well done. It is well-written, especially the intro and conclusions to the episodes, the guests and their interviews are right on point and well-edited, and the production quality is top-notch. Keep it up.

Learned lots ! Very fun

Great podcast, subscribed! Learned a lot listening to the first two episode and found it to be a fun listen